JOB SEEKERS:

Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) and the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to a job information pick-up event!Stop by the Sturgis Community Center Meade Room on Wednesday, July 14th anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Job information and applications from employers across town will be available free of charge! This is not a job fair – employers will not be present.

EMPLOYERS:

If you are interested in participating, simply provide the Sturgis Chamber with a flyer advertising your current available position(s) and a stack of applications and we will do the rest. Job seekers are invited to the event to view and pick up applications. Please drop off your materials (as many copies as you would like dispersed) at the Sturgis Chamber (2040 Junction Avenue) no later than Tuesday, July 13th at 12 noon.

The Downtown Sturgis Foundation, Downtown Business Improvement District, Sturgis Area Arts Council, Greater Sturgis Foundation, and City of Sturgis teamed up on this new project showcasing the visual arts in Sturgis. Together, these partners – along with several hard-working volunteers – made the first Sturgis Artwalk possible!

Spectators follow a path of artwork throughout Sturgis using the Sturgis Artwalk map, available at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and other locations. As you stroll, bike, or drive by each piece, take time to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these unique works.

The 2021 Sturgis Art Walk features four sculptures from artists throughout the midwest.  

“Horse” was created by Travis Sorenson a local artist residing right here in Sturgis. We are proud to include one of his celebrated works in our first-ever Artwalk! Travis states, “Horses have always been a part of our lives. They have given us their strength, their speed, and their independence. Although the horse serves us, it can never be fully tamed.” 

“Chief’s Daughter” was chosen for the Artwalk because of its reflection of the Native American culture of the Sturgis area. The artist has been sculpting for over 30 years and has over 2,000 public and private commissions. She describes the piece as “A young Indian girl follows her father’s footsteps.”  Bobbie Carlyle of Loveland, Colorado created this beautiful piece of artwork.

“Bicycle Tree” was created by Dale Lewis of Hastings, Minnesota and is a nod to Sturgis’s vibrant outdoor spirit and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. The artist transitioned from a career as an electrical technician and machinist, to welding metal sculptures in 2010. He states, “This tree is 11 ft. tall and all about bicycles. Look close and you might see one from your childhood.” His goal is to make his pieces entertaining, fun, and recognizable.

“Outer Limits” is a modern, abstract sculpture the evokes different thoughts and emotions from each viewer. The artists state, “This piece expresses the complex patterns, dynamic qualities, and endlessly-evolving nature of space. Texture and dimensions are incorporated into the sculpture through build-up pads created by welding students at Janesville Waldorf-Pemberton High School in Minnesota.”  This piece was created by Tim James and Aidan Demarais of Good Thunder, Minnesota.

The Sturgis ArtWalk will rotate each May/June and feature new and unique statues from artists around the country.  

The Sturgis Artwalk is sponsored and organized by the following generous organizations: Downtown Sturgis Foundation, Downtown Business Improvement District, Greater Sturgis Foundation, Sturgis Area Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council and the City of Sturgis.

More information can be found at https://downtownsturgisfoundation.org/sturgis-artwalk/

This amazing property has been designed and created by Sturgis natives and business owners, Rod & Cassie Bradley. Inspired to create a neighborhood to foster home ownership and to take full advantage of the outdoor elements our community has to offer, the Trailhead neighborhood became a reality.

These twenty-three homes at the mouth of Vanocker Canyon are located directly on the municipal bike path to access the Sturgis Dams and Black Hills National Forest. Less than 2 miles from legendary Sturgis Main Street and easy access to I-90, these homes are intended for residents taking full advantage of what it means to live and work in the Black Hills. For first time home buyers, these homes qualify for Rural Development 100% financing. Both three-bedroom and two-bedroom models are available, all with two full bathrooms. Some models include a garage in the advertised price, but all homes have the space to add a garage now or in years to come.

Contact Properties Unlimited Realty at 605-347-7644 for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Renner, SD  Amanda Anglin, Executive Director of Sturgis Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) applied and has been selected to participate in cohort two of the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.

This credentialed professional development opportunity is a 15-month training program that involves: 1) Four fundraising courses taught by faculty from The Fundraising School at Indiana University 2) Attainment of CFRE credentials 3) Activities with a statewide cohort of South Dakota fundraising professionals.

“This is an exciting time for growth and development in Sturgis and Meade County.  This training help will build capacity for our organization and help SEDC to continue our mission of pursing economic development in Sturgis and Meade County.  Thank you to Dakota Resource and Black Hills Energy for sponsoring this opportunity.  I am excited to learn new skills to help our region grow and thrive,” said Amanda Anglin, Sturgis Economic Development Corp Executive Director.    

Dakota Resources’ is sponsoring five rural economic development professionals to participate in the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program. “This caliber of training will increase local practitioners’ knowledge and skills in fundraising and help expand financial resources to support important community and economic development work in rural South Dakota through more effective fundraising,” said Paula Jensen, Dakota Resources Vice President of Program Development.

Successful completion of the program results in participants attaining the Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from The Fund Raising School and completion of requirements to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Both the CFRM and the CFRE are internationally recognized credentials that indicate a high level of skill, experience, and dedication to ethical fundraising practices. Individuals that complete this program will receive training and attain credentials that raise the bar on professional fundraising practice in South Dakota.

About the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program

With support from the Numad Group and South Dakota Community Foundation, the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program combines the forces of The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (The Fund Raising School) and CFRE International in a research-based program aimed at providing South Dakota nonprofit employees, volunteers and board members with high quality training and experience to help build their capacity in effective fundraising and to develop important nonprofit leadership skills. Find out more at ruralphilanthropyinstitute.org

About Dakota Resources

Dakota Resources is a 501c3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution focused on connecting capacity and capital to empower rural communities. They embrace building the capacity and confidence of rural community leaders and organizations through learning networks, long-term community coaching, and capital investments. For more information, visit dakotaresources.org. Dakota Resources is an equal opportunity organization.

Sturgis Economic Development Corp. conducted a survey to obtain feedback from Sturgis Area residents and workers.  The survey was conducted from September 18, 2020 to October 2, 2020.

The full results of the survey along with a summary document are posted below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        

October 1, 2020                                                                           

Contact:        Christina Steele

Public Information Officer

(605)347-4422 ext. 6                                                                         csteele@sturgisgov.com

Sturgis, SD – City of Sturgis Taking Steps to Develop City Owned Property 

The Sturgis City Council is proceeding with a planned development on a 60-acre parcel of land owned by the City known as the Marcotte property.  The property is located in the southwestern corner of the City bordering land owned by the State of South Dakota.

In 2013, the City chose to invest in this property for future recreation and growth and to ensure that it was not auctioned to a developer who could build a high-density development.  The sale and development of the Marcotte property will provide funding for several other projects within the community, including a splash park and an indoor batting cage.  The development plan includes a new neighborhood park and pavilion as well as retention of a large open space within the development.  A neighboring trailhead into public land will also see improvements.

Discussions about the potential for development began in 2010 when the property was identified for future growth in the Sturgis Comprehensive Plan.  At that time, the property was owned by the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks Department (GF&P) and was used for hunting. GF&P was interested in selling the property through auction.  The 2010 Sturgis Comprehensive Plan had previously identified using the land for a park and a commercial resort.  In 2012, due to residential encroachment, the area was deemed unsafe for hunting and the GF&P agreed, through special legislation, to sell the property directly to the City via a 3-year contract for deed at the full appraised value of $608,100.  There were no limitations placed on future use of the property as was stated during legislation. The property was paid off in 2015 and the deed was turned over to the city with no deed restrictions.  The property was then annexed into the city limits.

A Land Use Study conducted in 2014, explored the possibility of development to include a convention center and city park.  The Council did not see the suggestion as a viable option due to the significant increase in traffic that would occur.  The preferred use was recreation and housing. 

Recently, with housing in very short supply, the Marcotte property has again been considered as an ideal location for new development with a large park, open space, and housing.  Earlier this year, the City issued a request for proposals from developers who were  interested in working with the City on potential development.  Dream Design International submitted a favorable proposal and has been working to finalize plans.  A public open house was held in July to address questions and concerns about the development.  On September 21, the Sturgis City Council approved the property as surplus so it can be sold to the developer. 

A webpage titled “Marcotte Property Development” is available on the City website.  This page provides a detailed timeline and links to presentations, documents, and information about the proposed development.

https://www.sturgis-sd.gov/MarcottePropertyDevelopment

Housing Needs in Sturgis/Marcotte Property Presentation

In 2014, the City of Sturgis and Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) partnered to hire Community Partners, Inc., with a goal of conducting a housing needs study to determine unmet housing needs, examine future trends and provide future housing recommendations for Sturgis.  The 2014 study identified a rental housing vacancy rate of .7%.  A healthy market range is 3-5%. To meet demand, the study indicated that 135-145 rental units would be needed from 2014-2019 and for 22-27 owner-occupied housing units to be constructed annually over the five years for a total of 135 owner-occupied units.

Armed with this information, SEDC and the City of Sturgis identified property options and developers.  The 2014 housing study helped foster the Dolan Creek subdivision (113), Sierra Vista Apartments (32), Canyon View Estates (18) and Wildflower Townhomes (4) developments.  These four developments helped significantly with the housing needs in Sturgis by creating 131 owner-occupied homes and 36 rental units. 

In 2019, upon completion of an updated study, it was found that housing needs will continue to increase in Sturgis for the next five years.  The rental vacancy rate increased slightly to 1.9% with need for an additional 152-175 rental units. Owner-occupied housing needs also increased to 40-45 units annually with 225 owner-occupied units needed over the next five years.  The study recommends a 2.5 year supply of available lots to meet the demand. 

Did you read the last part of that sentence…“to meet the demand”?  What a great problem to have in a community!  This means that we are growing.  People want to live here, raise their families and spend their time in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.  How awesome is this!  New families mean new kids in our school system, new people shopping in our stores and supporting our local businesses, new people enjoying our ample supply of outdoor recreational opportunities, the list goes on!

On a side note, check out our new video that showcases the wonderful assets our community and region have to offer.  Click here!

Back to housing……I spend the majority of my days advocating for economic development in Sturgis and Meade County.  SEDC’s mission is to actively pursue economic development by assisting expanding or new business, industry and housing in Sturgis and Meade County.  Housing is a large piece of economic development. 

Economic development is important because it helps to grow our tax base and create jobs.  We need people!  We need people to help our communities thrive and function.  We need people to work in our local businesses, to shop in our stores and those same people to grow our community.  We also need more people to recruit businesses.  Our people need a place to live.   That’s where housing becomes such a huge part of economic development and community growth.     

SEDC has five goals – one of which is develop infrastructure.  We do this by creating a diversity of fully developed sites, buildings and housing for expanding and new businesses and industries, as well as encouraging residential housing for independent seniors and workforce housing.

The Board of Directors of the Sturgis Economic Development Corp asks that you assist in the growth of our community by supporting the upcoming housing efforts by the City of Sturgis. 

The Marcotte Property Presentation and Open House will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 5:30 PM in the Sturgis Community Center Theater and gymnasium. The purpose of this event is to share information related to the future development of the Marcotte property. The public is encouraged to attend this event to meet the developer, view the plans, and learn more about this exciting new residential development.  The plans and information can be viewed by clicking here. 

Amanda Anglin, SEDC Executive Director